Cysticerci (tapeworm larvae) of T. solium occur in the muscle and in the brain (in humans as intermediate hosts).Subcutaneous cysticerci may be visible or palpable.Cysticerci may also be detected by non-invasive methods like CT scan and MRI, or when calcified, by X-ray.Histology reveals cysticerci in biopsies.

First attempts to detect antigens in cerebrospinal fluid have been described

• Test not yet fully validated

Antibody detection

Diagnosis of cysticercosis should be supported by a serological test. Serum antibody detection in cysticercosis is done with immunoassays (ELISA and enzyme-linked immunotransfer blots, EITB). No advantage was observed using cerebrospinal fluid.

• Variable results for sensitivity and specificity• Difficulties in distinguishing active from past infections• Only a few tests have been fully validated• Convenient screening approach for epidemiological studies